340 




DISCOURSE 



ON TlIK 



LIFE AND CHARACTER 



OF THE LATE 



HON. LETERETT SALTONSTALL. 



BY JOHN^BRAZER, D.D. 




Class_.E_i_^jDL 



Book_A.Li.BJu 



DISCOURSE ^^^ 



o 



ON THE 



LIFE AND CHARACTER 



OF THE LATE 



HON. LEVERETT SALTONSTALL, 

DELIVERED IN THE NORTH CHURCH, 

SALEM, ]MASS. 

SUNDAY, MAY 18, 1845. 



BY JOHN BRAZER, D.D., 

Pastor of the North Church and Society. 



IJrintca l)» llcqucst=«Xct J3ubU.'5l)cti. 



SALEM: 
PRINTED AT THE GAZETTE OFFICE. 

1845. 






^' 



i( 



TO 

MRS. MAEY ELIZABETH SALTONSTALL, 
HER CHILDKEN AND FAMILY, 

Etiis ISfscouvse, 

PRINTED AT THEIR REQUEST, 

Is affectionately and respectfully 
INSCRIBED 

BY THE AUTHOR. 

Salem, May 19, 1345. 



DISCOURSE. 



JOHN V. 35. 



HE WAS A BURNING AND A SHINING LIGHT ; AND YE WERE 
WILLING FOR A SEASON TO REJOICE IN HIS LIGHT. 

I have placed this passage of scripture at the com- 
mencement of this service, not for the purpose of 
discoursing from it in the usual method, but simply to 
introduce some commemorative remarks on the Life 
and Character of one who has recently left his place 
vacant in this religious circle ; who was inexpressibly 
d'^ar to many hearts ; who has filled a large space ni 
public estimation ; who was highly distinguished by 
professional ability; who has been, for a long period, 
among the most trusted, honored and beloved in this 
whole community ; who in fine, in all the relations of 
life, exhibited, above most men whom I have known, 
the true dignity, power and attractiveness of the Chris- 
tian character. In thus devoting the whole discourse to 
such a sketch, as the present interview may allow, to 



some recollections of Leverett Saltonstall, I suppose I 
shall be acting in accordance not only with your expec- 
tations and my duty, but consulting equally your feel- 
mgs and my own. 

It may seem, at first view, that the subject of these 
remarks has been so long and widely known, both in 
private and social life, and as the depositary of impor- 
tant public trusts, that any detailed biography may be 
well deemed superfluous. This might be so, if to 
impart information merely, were the only object of a 
tribute like this. But it has higher and more valuable 
uses. It is, at all times, a subject of enlightened inquiry 
to analyze into its component parts a character, which, 
as a whole, has left a deep and salutary impression 
on our minds. And when, as in the case before us, 
this impression is fraught with hallowed associations 
and gracious influences, it is equally a duty and a 
privilege to gather up and preserve those distinctive 
traits upon which the memory loves to linger, and 
which may serve to perpetuate the inspiring influences 
of a good example. 

The personal history of Mr Saltonstall was marked 
by no startling vicissitudes. His life was an oven and 
ever onward career of usefulness and honor ; and 
though he was not spared from some of the gloomy pas- 
sages of this probationary state, yet his life, considered 
i)i all its varied aspects, may be regarded as singularly 
felicitous. Its details are well known to this commu- 
nity, and have been made so familiar by the public 
tributes which have recently been \\n.'K\ to his memory. 



that I need only refer to them in a brief summary. He 
was born at Haverhill, in this county, one of the most 
pleasing of our New England villages, and which, in 
an "Historical Sketch" of his, published nearly thirty 
years ago, he describes, "as one of the most beautiful 
spots for a settlement that can be conceived." He was 
the eldest son and second child of the late Dr. Na- 
thaniel Saltonstall, and belonged to a family that has, 
at all times, since the first settlement of Massachusetts 
Bay, been distinguished for its patriotism, important 
civil services and high moral worth. He was born on 
the 13th of June, 17S3, was prepared for College at 
Phillips' Exeter Academy, became a member of 
Harvard University at the early age of fourteen, and 
was graduated with distinction, in the year 1S02. He 
began the study of the law with Ichabod Tucker, Esq., 
then of Haverhill, who, subsequently, for many years, 
was a highly respected Clerk of the Courts in Essex 
County ; and completed his legal studies under the di- 
rection of the late learned and lamented William Pres- 
coTT. He entered on the practice of his profession in his 
native town, but in May, 1806, removed to this city, 
where the remainder of his life was passed. He soon 
became distinguished among very distinguished competi- 
tors at the bar, was early called upon, by his fellow 
citizens, to take part m the public councils of both branch- 
es of our State Legislature, was President, at one pe- 
riod, of the Senate, afterward our Representative in 
Congress, and was regarded through his whole ac- 
tive life, as one of our most able, efficient, trust- wor- 



8 

thy and distinguished public men. He was the first 
Mayor of our city ; President of the Bible Society, of 
the Essex Agricultural Society, and of the Essex Bar ; 
a member of the American Academy of the Arts 
and Sciences ; of the Massachusetts Historical Society, 
and of the Board of Overseers of Harvard University ; 
and received from this Institution the Honorary Degree 
of Doctor of Laws. I cannot pause to speak, at length, 
of the manner in which these high duties and offices 
were sustained. It must suffice to say, that he fulfilled 
them all, and illustrated them all, by a courteousness, 
fidelity, probity and high-mindedncss, that rendered 
him continually, in each successive place and oflice, 
more and more, the object of public esteem and confi- 
dence. 

I come now to the more appropriate duty of the place 
and hour. This is to speak of the Character of our 
departed friend. But here, again, the accustomed limits 
of the occasion will allow me to present only a few 
leading traits. These, I hope, will be found to be prom- 
inent and distinctive. But to show how, in active life, 
they modified, and controlled each other, and how, in 
like manner, they were influenced, in their development 
and operation, by the less obvious parts of his mental 
and moral constitution ; and, still more, how all were 
moulded or restrained in their effects by the peculiar 
environment of the circumstances in which he was 
placed; these are inquiries, which, both on account 
of their delicacy and extent, are unbefitting the present 
occasion. 



I have but a word further to premise. And this is, 
that as I mean to make this sketch as characteristic as I 
can, I shall endeavor to render it thoroughly faithful, as 
far as it goes. I wish to present, if possible, a likeness, 
or rather the first lines or elements of a likeness, all 
that, in the providence of God, is now left to us, of our 
lamented friend, and not a fancy-piece. I shall stu- 
diously avoid, therefore, all labored eulogium, and the 
lavish heaping up of monumental epithets, as equally 
unworthy of the theme and place and service. I trust 
that the tribute will be at least honest and affectionate ; 
honest, since a bald panegyric of such a man, it seems 
to me, would be no better than a blot on the escutcheon 
of his fair fame ; and it must, of necessity, be affection- 
ate, since it is impossible for any of ns who knew the 
subject of it intimately, to think or speak of him but 
with hearts full of tenderness in the recollection of his 
endearing and elevated character, and now, alas ! 
aching for his loss. 

In entering upon this sketch, I first advert to the 
General Bearing or Deportment of our friend. Let not 
this be thought an unimportant element in character. It 
enters largely into those first impressions, whose import 
no wise man will disregard. It offers, whether intended 
or not, a significant commentary on all the subsequent 
professions and acts of the individual, and greatly affects 
his personal influence. The Manner or general Deport- 
ment of Mr. Saltonstall was frank, direct, inscnuous, 
and kind. It was not, perhaps, always equal, for his 
temperament was sanguine, and his susceptibility to 



10 

impression was quick and acute; and it might happen, 
therefore, that the intclicities of an occasionally clouded 
brow, and a manner somewliat perturbed, M'ould be visit- 
ed upon those, whose feeUngs, consciously, he would be 
the last to wound. But these inequalities, if such there 
were, were directly merged and lost out of sight in the 
genuine kindness, frankness and cordiality that perva- 
ded his general bearinsr. There was. obviously, nothing 
hollow, insincere, indirect, or merely plausible, about 
him. He had nothing studied or artificial in his mien ; 
no professions of deep interest for all he met in the streets ; 
no stereotyped smiles for all comers. He despised, as all 
honest men must, such skin-deep homage to popular fa- 
vor as this. But his whole deportment was simple, open 
and free ; and all those minute impressions, by which ev- 
ery individual is, unconsciously to himself, revealing his 
real character to the accurate observer, were in perfect 
keeping with his avowed aims and purposes. In a 
word, whatever else you might miss or desire, you felt, 
at first sight, on meeting him. that^'-ou were dealing with 
a right-minded, truthful and honorable man : and all 
your subsequent intercourse with him, though it were 
life-long, would only serve to deepen the impression. 

And yet witli this openness both of deportment and 
conduct, there was luiited a singular Cautiousness of 
character. Tt was, if I do not err, the natural bias of 
his mind to examine subjects carefully and long, to place 
thnn in didorcnt attitudes, to view them, especially, in 
their darker aspects, and to anticipate difficulties before 
arriving at any decisive opinion or process of action. I 



11 

may greatly mistake, but he seemed to me to look at fu- 
ture results with a doubtful and forecasting eye, and to cu- 
ter rarely on any plan or enterprize under the inspiration 
of hope. If this were so in any degree, its natural effect 
would be to cast a shade of indecision around him in the 
conduct of affairs. But when once, either from a sense 
of duty, or from the pressure of necessity, he became 
pledged and interested in any pursuit or project, every 
early appearance of irresolution vanished, the phantoms 
of doubt fled before his advancing step, his awakened 
powers gained continually new impulse from exertion, his 
strong love of honest fame, together with all the higher 
motives of his moral nature, became enlisted in the effort, 
the whole man, in a word; became identified with his 
purpose, and none were more decided, ardent, and effec- 
tive than he. 

In approaching the more essential parts of the charac- 
ter of our friend, I mean those which distinguished him 
as a Moral and Religious man, I first refer to one which 
was singularly characteristic. This was a Placability, a 
readiness to forgive wrong-doers, an earnest desire, as 
far as in him lay, to " live peaceably with all men.' 
This distinguished him in his earliest youth, in his 
parental home, in all the domestic and social intercourse 
of his maturcr years. It was, with him, equally 
the result of natural bias and of religious principle. 
Though his temperament was one of quick sensibilitv. 
and a high and just self-respect made him feel keenly 
any personal slight, or offence, yet he seemed utterly 
incapable of harboring any ill-will towards the offender. 



12 

111 his profession it was his constant endeavour to pre- 
vent litigation, and not to promote it : to pacify the 
uneasy waters of strife, and not stir thorn up: to adjust 
differences, and not exasperate them ; and thus, at the 
obvious sacrifice of his own immediate interest, to 
reconcile adversaries, who in their heady anger in pros- 
ecuting a doubtful right, were bent on doing themselves, 
as well as their opponents, an essential wrong. As a 
leading lawyer, for many years, he was habitually con- 
versant with the keen encounters of the bar ; as an emi- 
nent citizen he could not wholly escape the attacks of the 
envious and malignant ; as a distinguished politician he 
was often exposed to the hot words and biting flings of 
excited debate ; as a frequent candidate for public office, 
he was a prominent mark for the prevailing savagery 
that disgraces the political press in our country ; yet he 
was the first, on all occasions, to forgive and forget an 
injury. He had too serious and elevated views of the 
social relations to sacrifice any of them to the poor pur- 
poses of retaliation. He was too magnanimous a man 
to descend to the littleness of revenge. He had no 
respect for the brute-like instinct and habits of the 
world at large, on this subject. He had studied in a 
better school ; he had sat at the feet of a higher master ; 
and possessed true manliness and moral courage enough, 
under nil circumstances, and up to the utmost limits of 
duty and forbearance, to "love peace and ensue it." 
Indeed, to him above most men, belonged the beatitude 
oftlie Saviour, " Blessed are the Peace-Makers." 

Connected wilh this rare and beautiful placability of 



13 

temper, T may refer, though it can be only in a brief al- 
lusion, to the general Benevolence and genial feelings 
which entered essentially into his moral nature, greatly 
promoted his own happiness, and contributed largely to 
his success in life. His Benevolence was of the most 
expansive kind. It was native to his heart, and it was 
quickened and instructed by religious principle. He 
labored for the public weal in the discharge of his public 
offices, and these had an additional value in his estimation 
as enlarging the field of benevolent effort. He was ever 
ready to lend his personal and pecuniary aid to all wor- 
thy objects. He strove to do good to all within the cir- 
cle of his influence ; and wretchedness, in all its multifold 
forms, was, peculiarly, the object of his solicitude and 
care. He loved to make others happy, and to see them 
•so. He delighted in the reciprocation of kind affections, 
and in the interchange of kind offices. He wasemhient- 
ly companionable in his feelings, enjoyed with pecu- 
liar zest the innocent pleasures of social intercourse, 
and was always happy in extending to all his friends 
a cordial and kind reception in his own hospitable 
home. These generous and genial aftcctions developed 
themselves in early life. They rendered him the gene- 
ral favorite of his associates at the University ; and en- 
deared him, especially, to those of his own Class, who as 
a body have been equally distinguished for talent, learn- 
ing, professional eminence, and for the perpetuation of 
those gracious and kindly feelings of friendship which 
are but too liable to die away with the freshness and 
buoyancy of youth. They, in common with all his nu- 



11 

merous friends, will mourn his loss as a severe personal 
bereavement. 

Another highly distinctive trait in the character of 
Mr. Saltonstall, was his Reverence for the Right, a deep 
sense of Moral Duty and Obligation. Tiie law of recti- 
tude was the supreme law of his life. It was. with 
him, no conventional bond. He found it written on his 
soul by the Hand Divine : he read it by the light of his 
own consciousness ; he recognised its supreme and un- 
borrowed authority; and felt that its decisions here and 
now, were prophetic intimations of a final award, at a 
Higher Tribunal hereafter.- But while he implicitly 
obeyed this inner sense of right and wrong, he was 
fully aware that it was liable to be perverted and 
blinded ; and that, in point of fact, some of the blackest 
sins in this sinful world, have been perpetrated on the 
alleged authority of conscience. It was hishabitualcarc 
therefore, to enlighten and educate it, so that the light 
within him should not be worse than darkness ; that it 
should be an authentic ray from the Primal Source of all 
light, and not a retiection from those strange fires which 
are kindled from balow. 

This principle of conscience, thus carefully instructed 
and guarded, went with him into all his social inter- 
course. He was a thoroughly Honest man ; honest, not 
only in the common negative sense of not violating hu- 
man laws, and of omitting to avail himself of undue ad- 
vantages over otliers, hul he was honest in the higher 
sense of being true, sincere, and trust-worthy in all the 
relations and intercourse of life. He possessed, in an 



15 

eminent degree, the rare virtue of an Uprightness of 
character, that notliing could break or bend. A spotless 
Inte^^rity marked all his aims and acts, and brought the 
separate details of principle and conduct into one consis- 
tent whole. A singular Probity reigned throughout his 
life, which led him under all circumstances, to look singly 
to the right, and to pursue it for its own sake. 

But this Conscientiousness was most fully developed 
in his intercourse with himself Kind and considerate 
in his estimate of the conduct of others, he was severe 
and inflexible only in his estimate of his own. He could 
bear any other loss but the loss of self-approval. His 
standard of duty Avas high, his moral perceptions keen 
and apprehensive, but they were nowhere brought into 
such a searching analysis, as in his own habitual habits 
of self-inspection. 

I come now to speak of what I have always con- 
sidered the most distinctive, as well as crowning grace, 
in the character of Mr. Saltonstall. This was the 
sentiment of Reverence. He was eminently and thor- 
oughly a reverential man. This principle was deeply 
implanted in the natural constitution of his mind, and to 
cultivate and improve it, was his constant care. Supe- 
rior to pride, that is ever looking downward for contrasts 
favorable to its own glorification, and despising vanity, 
which is too fall of its own emptiness to look beyond 
itself, he delighted to look reverentially upward. He 
loved to recognize and to honor all that was approva- 
ble, great and excellent, wherever found. This fair 
and grand Universe considered as the work of God, and 



16 

the earliest revelation of his power and goodness; 
Rank, Influence and high Condition worthily won and 
worthily used; Distinction, of all kinds, honorably 
achieved and meekly borne; legitimate Authority; 
established Usages ; time-honored Institutions ; Monu- 
ments of Antiquity ; Places where great and stirring 
Deeds have been done ; the Sepulchres of the Departed ; 
great Names and recognized Authorities that gleam 
forth like beacons, in the long track of the past ; emi- 
nent Worth among his Associates and Contemporaries ; 
all these, and all things else, which bear the mark of 
rightful superiority, received his ready and deferential 
homage. 

This sentiment, thus naturally strong within him, 
was fostered by the circumstances of his birth. It was 
his rare privilege to trace his lineage from an ancient 
and distinguished family, and that respect for antiquity, 
which always enters as an element into reverential 
feeling, was, in his case, quickened and matured by 
his connection with an honored ancestry. He was 
born too, at a period, when our public institutions had 
not wrought out all their levelling influences ; when the 
social distinctions of life received due honor; when 
reli<^ion entered palpably into the details of cvery-day 
life • when domestic discipline was rightfully enforced ; 
■when legitimate authority was considered as implying 
some submission and obedience on tlie part of those 
sidijected to it ; when duties were regarded before 
claims ; when high deference was supposed to be duo 
to parents and superiors ; when, in a word, all those 



17 

habits and emotions, which are of the very essence of 
reverence, were rife in the pubhc mind, and when, 
therefore, most of those incidental and impalpable influ- 
ences which do more than all direct instruction to form 
the character of the young, were favorable to a rever- 
ential state of mind. In these sentiments, and in this 
general tone of feeling, Mr. Saltonstall largely participa- 
ted. It was peculiarly manifested by him in the sacred 
offices of filial love and duty. He regarded the relation 
which God has formed between parent and child as 
being, in itself, most sacred, and as intended, in an 
especial manner, to call forth and mature that feeling of 
reverence, which, at first, hallowiug their mutual inter- 
course, goes on to connect itself with all that is good, 
great, conservative and loyal in life, and ultimately 
centres upon its worthiest object, even the Infinite and 
Eternal God. For his mother, particularly, who long 
survived his father, he ever felt, and ever expressed, in 
a thousand uncommanded ways, the sincerest deference 
and respect. He knew that Christian mothers do most, 
under God, to make true and high men, and that his 
did much to make him, and ever felt that the measure 
of his duty to her, was nothing less than all a grate- 
ful and loyal son could do. And when she became 
burthened with years and infirmities, and public dis- 
tinctions and honors were accumulating upon him, it 
was his pride and pleasure, in every act of reverential 
love and self-exalting humility, to follow the example 
of that best of hiunan children, whose story is recorded 

of old, who, when seated as a second Pharaoh on the 
3 



18 

highest throne then on the earth, left it, that he might 
go, in royal state, to pay fihal homage and respectfuhiess 
to his humble, old and nifirm parent. 

But this sentiment of Reverence, as was right and 
fitting, found its best and fullest expression in his 
condition and duties as a Religious Being. It was the 
object and business of his life to keep a duteous walk 
with God. He loved to view His works as the glorious 
symbol of His august attributes, and to consider those 
events that fill up life's little history, as fraught with a 
divine significance which the thoughtful and serious 
spirit should interpret and apply. But these upward 
tendencies of his soul were most fully developed and 
sustained by the more express revelation of the will of 
God by the Lord Jesus. He made its Evidences and 
specific Doctrines an early study, and it was never far 
from his thoughts at any subsequent period of his life. 
In one of my interviews with him, in his last sickness, 
he told me he had been revising his theological studies, 
and had been strengthened in his conviction of the 
divine origin of the Christian Revelation, and placed 
his entire faith in this, on those great Facts, to which his 
Lord and Master originally appealed as the authen- 
tic seal of his divine mission, namely, those Miraculous 
Works, " which none could do, unless God were with 
him." He expressed, also, an intense regret, and as deep 
an abhorrence as his gentle spirit could feel on any 
subject, for those ill-considered, conceited and scofiing 
speculations, by which reckless men attempt to shake 
the faith of others in these great Facts. Born and bred 



19 

in the stern failh of liis Puritan ancestors, but whicli, 
afterwards, through much painful study, and great 
mental conflict, he felt obliged to renounce, he yet took 
with him to his more enlarged views of God and Christ 
and duty, much of that solemn awe and exquisite ten- 
derness of conscience, which are often connected with 
those speculative opinions, which his mind, in all other 
respects, had outgrown. His attention to the Institu- 
tions and sacred Rites of Christianity was constant, 
earnest and exemplary. He believed them to be of 
divine appointment, as instructive in themselves, and 
as suggestive of touching associations and wholesome 
influences, which no intelligent and good man would 
"willingly forego. He gave to them no merely formal, 
or stinted, or half-reluctant service, but in every way, 
his ready, hearty, personal aid. None of us will soon 
forget the solemnity and fervour with which he habit- 
ually lent his rich, mellifluous and well-taught voice to 
join in lifting up our hymns of praise to the most 
High, from that place now shrouded in the sad drapery 
of mourning in token of our irreparable loss. His very 
presence and deportment here, were a mute but most 
edifying commentary on the sacredness of the service. 
He was the first superintendent of our Sunday School, 
and for many years, by his personal attention, pecuniary 
assistance and v/eighty influence, did much to sustain 
and strengthen it. He felt, as may I say? but too few 
in all our congregations, feel, that without the earnest 
and sympathizing co-operation of the People, the Pastor 
must labor all but hopelessly, and in vain. In this, as 



20 

in our interests generally, as a Christian Society, lie was 
unspeakably important to us. In all our concerns, he 
was the first to be sought, the readiest to serve, the last 
to shrink, from any fitting duty of a devout Christian 
and Good Parishioner. 

May I add, in this connection, that he was one of the 
best of Good Hearers. His hearing began before he 
left his home, and coming to our worship with a pre- 
pared and accessible heart, he was open to every good 
impression while here. He could find, therefore, even 
in the defective services of tiie minister, suggestive 
hints for serious thought. He gave his whole soul to 
the duty of the place, and considered every thing ap- 
proaching to lightness and frivolity as equally indecent 
and indevout. He well knew the inexpressible diffi- 
culties of the pastoral office, at the present day, 
and. especially, in our denomination, and always took 
great pleasure in being pleased with any well-in- 
tended ellbrf : was more anxious to examine into the 
spiritual state of his own heart, than to ascertain the 
critical value of the sermon ; and could find much 
occasion for generous praise, where others, who in 
mental and spiritual culture were vastly his inferiors, 
could find little, but to criticise and undervalue. 

In a word, he made a near approach to that highest 
manifestation of God's love and grace here below, that 
of being a true Christian; a whole-hearted, devoted, 
sincere, conscientious, pre-eminent Christian. He was 
a Christian everywhere, and in all relations of this trial- 
state. At home and alnoad : in his retirement and in 



21 

ordinary duty ; in the intercourse of private life, and in 
those public trusts and that poHtical intercourse, where, 
us an element of conduct, religion too seldom enters ; 
he was an avowed and consistent Christian. But his 
religion was not exhibited in any studied staidness or 
affected sanctimoniousness of bearing. He was too de- 
vout a follower of his Master for this. But it discov- 
ered itself in the only way that it should ever discover 
itself, that is incidentally, unconsciously, and only 
avowedly, when the occasion called for an outright ex- 
pression of it. It, ordinarily, made itself known in the 
natural, and therefore universally understood, language 
of manner, look and tone. It escaped, as it were, be- 
cause it could not be repressed, from a heart overbur- 
thened with its own religious sentiments and emotions. 
His life, to sum up all, was a " hving sacrifice," held 
consecrate to the One true God, and to Jesus, whom 
God hath sent. And I think, I am aware of the import 
of my language, when I say, that it was with him the 
all-absorbing purpose of life, to become in all respects, 
what God would have him to be. His habitual affec- 
tions were worship ; his prevailing state of mind, adora- 
tion ; and his most earnest hopes, fears and aspirations, 
themselves, prayer. 

In thus dwelling upon the moral qualities of Mr. Sal- 
tonstall, I have left myself little opportunity to speak of 
his Intellectual Endowments and Mental Culture. Re- 
stricted, at furthest, to narrow limits, I have chosen to 
dwell longest upon what I deem to be most important. 
But it most not be hence inferred that in his intellectual 



90 



capacities and powers, and in their energetic and suc- 
cessful exercise, both in professional and puhlic life, he 
is entitled to no especial commemoration. On the con- 
trary, in all these respects, he was distinguislied scarce- 
ly less than by his moral and religious worth. 

His perceptions appeared to me to be equally quick, 
clear and comprehensive. His inferences from them 
were ready and just, though, perhaps, as I have already 
intimated, rendered, apparently, somewhat infirm as a 
basis of action, by an extreme cautiousness, an over- 
nice forecast, and a want of antedating hope. His 
observation of facts and events was always awake and 
active, but not for the mere gratification of an idle 
curiosity. He regarded them rather as outward and 
palpable expressions or representatives of something 
beyond themselves, an indication of some preceding 
state of things, and as prophetic of certain results which 
would naturally ensue. He was distinguished, in con- 
sequence, for practical wisdom, sound judgment, skill in 
affairs, and for an uncommon share of that rarest of 
all mental accomplishments, admirable common sense. 
Indeed, the habits of his mind were discursive, in the 
better or philosophical sense of the term. It was habit- 
ually employed in tracing resemblances and analogies, 
in connecting the unknown with the known, and in 
referring facts to principles. He seemed to seize, by a 
sort of intuition, upon the axis-thought, on which any 
given inquiry turned, and laid out his strength, mainly 
upon that. He was an accurate observer of character, 
though always leaning to the favorable side, keen to 



23 

discover the narrow and often evanishing line between 
truth and error, the right and the wrong, the real from 
the apparent, the substance from the form. He well 
understood, though he was not harsh to note, those 
fallacies, both of theory and usage, that men practise 
upon each other, and those, too, scarcely less numerous, 
which they practice upon themselves. I do not know 
that he was particularly fond of mental labor for its own 
sake, though his power of voluntary attention when it 
was called for by any exigency, was great, and most 
conscientiously exerted. His peculiar tastes led him, 
not so much to works of fancy and imagination, 
though these were not neglected, as to those of more 
solid import, and especially to those connected with his 
duties and tastes as a professional and public man. 
His knowledge of History generally, and of Political 
Economy, in its different branches, was various and 
accurate. An heir to the Puritans, both by birth and 
spirit, he loved to trace their eventful annals in all their 
details, and there were few amongst us, whose knowl- 
edge of our early history was, at once, so minute and 
comprehensive as his. He was endowed with an im- 
posing person, great natural fluency of expression, a 
lucid, simple and forcible diction, and a singular pow- 
er of identifying himself with his theme, which lent 
to his oratory a reality, naturalness, impressiveness, and 
persuasive energy, which no merely artistical culture 
can afford. It is easy to infer, that, possessed of gifts 
and accomplishments like these, he could scarcely fail of 
success in professional and public life. And such was 



24 

ihe fact. lie \vas early distinguished at the Bar, and 
has uniformly been considered a cautious, safe, enlight- 
ened, conscientious and disinterested counsellor. He 
was wholly incapable of drilling, or tampering with, 
or browbeating witnesses, or of resorting to any profes- 
sional stratagems or artifice ; and his whole deportment 
towards parties, his legal brethren, juries and the court, 
was marked by a fairness, urbanity, uprightness and 
honor, which have done much to create and uphold the 
acknowledged high character of the Essex Bar. He felt 
that every man had a right to be heard in his own 
defence, and that it was no part of his duty to pre-judgc 
the claims, real or supposed, of any one; but he had no 
respect for that atrocious professional hardihood, not, it 
is said, wholly unknown in legal practice, which 
"knows nothing but the client:" which contends for 
victory only; and is as earnest, and apparently as 
honest, in urging a bad cause, known to be such, as in 
sustaining a good one. Having never witnessed any of 
his forensic efforts, I can offer no analysis of his charac- 
ter as an advocate. But his undispatcd eminence, as 
such, for many years, is, of itself, a decisive fact, and 
the tradition of some arguments, in which his whole 
moral nature was particularly enlisted, assigns to him a 
forward place among the most powerful pleaders of our 
age and country. 

I am equally unable, also, and for a similar reason, to 
speak of ]\Ir. Saltonstall as a statesman and political 
debater; and happily fi»r tlio fidelity of this romnicmo- 
rative notice, it is not necessary. Few men were so 



25 

widely known in these relations, in his native State 
particularly, as he was, and none were more highly esti- 
mated. He derived his political opinions from patient 
and conscientious inquiry, and not from the roar of the 
multitude ; and being based on principle, they were not 
swept away or changed with the flows and ebbs of popu- 
lar sentiment. They were consistent with each other. 
They were faithfully followed out. They were habitu- 
ally acted upon. He sought the public weal with as 
single an aim as others seek private thrift. He was an 
avowed and a devoted disciple of what he deemed the 
Washington school of politics, both in their primary sig- 
nificance, and in their application to all the subsequent 
phases of affairs which our history has assumed. In 
debate he was decided, frank and explicit in taking his 
positions ; sincere and earnest, it may have been, at 
times, vehement, in urging and defending them ; but al- 
ways perfectly fair and courteous in his deportment to- 
wards those who differed from him in opinion. It was, 
in consequence, his almost singiilar felicity, as a public 
man, to win and to secure the entire confidence and es- 
teem of his political friends, while, at the same time, he 
conciliated the respect and good will of his political op- 
ponents. 

But it is the end that crowns the work. The Man, in 
this instance, was the result of the Discipline of Life. 
Events, as they occurred, each in its turn, tried and 
taught him, and then passed away amongst forgotten 
things. But the man remained essentially the same, and 

only progressively changed to a higher being, through 
4 



2G 

the moral culture and spiritual energy that these passing 
events called forth. Out of those pure and rare elements of 
character which God originally imparted, and by the vari- 
ed vicissitudes of the probation through which God called 
him to go, a sincere, high, honorable, eminent Christian 
Man was formed. The moral image of Himself, that 
God at first estamped upon the soul of our friend, was 
brightened, irradiated and brought into full relief, by the 
attritions of this harsh mortal life. And now, I doubt not, 
that it has been removed to a higher state, where it 
will gather, henceforth and always, ever new and 
intenser glories from the ever increasing effulgence of 
God's nearer presence. 

Yes, it is the end that crowns the work. And the end 
of his earthly work was the priceless crown of the recol- 
lection of a life well-spent ; cheerful submission to his 
Heavenly Father's will ; a general preparation of char- 
acter that God, we may trust, will accept and bless. 
" Mark the perfect man, for the end of that man is peace." 
This peace was eminently his. That clear and deep- 
seated religious faith, which had been the light and law 
of his life, which had guided and guarded him through 
a long career of useful, beneficent and honorable action, 
still sustained and upheld him, when this career was 
drawing to its close. It sustained him during a pro- 
tracted and foreboding sickness. It sustained him in the 
near and conscious approach of that hour, when he 
was called to leave a life full of usefulness, full of hap- 
piness, full of every thing that rendered existence dear in 
his social position and domestic ties. It sustained him, 



27 

as nothing else could, through his final leave-taking with 
a family circle that concentered, in itself, all that inelfa- 
ble goodness of our Father in heaven, which is faintly- 
shadowed forth in those most intensely suggestive of all 
human words — A happy Christian Home ! None whose 
sad privilege it was to be near him then, can ever forget 
the submissive, solemn, serene, sublime example he exhi- 
bited, when that home was to be left, never more to be 
entered. Above all, none of those will ever forget it, to 
whom his life had been one continued expression of 
conjugal and paternal love ; and to whom this parting 
was the last manifestation of a heart filled with love to 
them, and of confiding piety towards God. With a 
full appreciation of the signal blessings with which he 
had been surrounded ; with a devout thankfulness to 
Him, from whom they flowed ; with a deep sense of 
all that is implied in a change from the seen and palpable 
of this world, to the unseen and unknown realities of a 
future state of being ; he reaped, at last, and felt the full 
eflicacy of the blessing of the ascension gift of the Saviour 
of the world : " Peace I leave with you, my peace I give 
unto you : not as the world giveth, give I unto you." 

I must here bring this feeble tribute to a close. I 
have, now, no time to derive from it, those religious uses 
which it forcibly suggests, nor to ofl^er to his mourning 
family those religious solaces, whicli they must greatly 
need. Nor is it necessary. The whole life of Levkrett 
Saltonstall is more suggestive of edifying instruction 
than any words of mine can be ; and the memory of his 



28 

virtues must be, of itself, to those dearest to him, a suf- 
ficing consolation. Let this then, with all the aids of 
God's good spirit shed abroad in their hearts, serve to 
sustain them. And let us, his fellow-worshippers and 
friends, let all who knew and valued him, honor his 
memory, as he himself would have preferred, by perpetu- 
ating all the good influences of his example in our own 
lives, so that when we shall be called to follow him to 
an eternal state, we may enter, as we trust he has, into 
that " Rest that remaineth to the people of God." 



APPENDIX. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE ESSEX BAR. 

A meeting of the Essex Bar was held at Ipswich, on Thursday morn- 
ing, May 8th, 1845. It was called to order by Benjamin Merrill, 
Esq., and proceeded to the choice of a President and Secretary. 

Benjamin Merrill, Esq., was chosen President of the meeting, and 
Ebenezer Shillaber, Esq., Secretary. 

Mr. IMerrill then made the following remarks : — 

Brethren of the Essex Bar : — The lamented decease of Leverett 
Saltonstall, the eldest member of this Bar, and for many years its 
President, fills our breasts with emotions of profound sadness. The 
whole extent of the professional lives of all of us has been spent by 
his side ; we have witnessed his successful and honorable career at the 
bar ; — his abilities, his legal learning, and his distinguished eloquence 
as an advocate ; — his devotion to the true interests of his clients, and 
his fidelity to the Courts. Our profession has been honored by his in- 
tellectual, moral, and social qualities. He possessed, in an eminent 
degree, the qualities that win and secure the entire confidence, the ar- 
dent attachment, and the sincere respect, not only of his brethren, but 
of the whole community. We should be unjust to ourselves if we sup- 
pressed the feelings of grief that fill our bosoms at the loss of one so 
loved and honored. 

The following Resolutions were then moved by Hon. Joseph E. 
Spragoe, seconded by Nathaniel J. Lord, Esq., and unanimously 
adopted : — 

Resolved, That the decease of the Hon. Leverett Saltonstall, 
for many years President of this Bar, is an afilicting event, which de- 
prives us of a brother and associate whom we all have long loved and 
honored. 

Resolved, That it is our privilege, as well as duty, to cherish the re- 
membrance of the professional, social, and moral excellencies of our la- 



30 

merited brother, whose deportment and conduct at every period, and in 
all the relations of life, have been an example worthy of respect and 
imitation. 

Resolved, That the members of the Bar respectfully express their 
deep sympathy to his bereaved family, and request permission to unite 
in testifying their respect to his memory, by attending his funeral so- 
lemnities. 

Resolved, That the President and Secretary of this meeting be re- 
quested to present to his family a certified copy of these proceedings. 

Resolved, That the same officers also cause the proceedings of this 
meeting to be communicated to the Court now in session in Ipswich. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE SUPREME COURT. 

The death of the Hon Leverett Saltonstall was announced in 
the Supreme Court, on Thursday morning, May 8, 1845, by Mr. Mer- 
rill, who presented the resolutions which had been adopted by the Bar, 
with the following remarks . — 

Maij it please your Honor : — The members of the Bar have request- 
ed me to solicit the indulgence of the Court to the expression of the 
emotions of deep and unaffected sorrow at the recent occurrence of the 
decease of their associate and brother Leverett Saltonstall, — an 
event which is afflicting not only to the jNIembers of the Bar, but creates 
a deep sensation and leaves a wide chasm in the whole community. 

Mr. Saltonstall has long enjoyed in an eminent and imcommon degree 
the respect, attachment and love of his fellow-citizens. 

He was born in this county, and descended from ancestors who 
through every period of the history of our State, from its earliest settle- 
ment, have been among its most eminent citizens and distinguished ben- 
efactors, — his life has never sullied, but has added lustre to the name. 
A familiar acquaintance with him for nearly fifty years, through his 
academic, collegiate and professional life, authorizes me to bear testi- 
mony, in which all will concur, that the qualities of his heart and the 
faculties of his mind formed a combination that attracted, in an uncom- 
mon degree, respect, attachment and love ; his warmth of heart, cordi- 
ahty of feeling, disinterested kindness, sincerity and frankness, ever 
ciiccrod and gladdened the circles in which he moved ; tlie purity and 



31 

firmness of his moral principles, the independence of his conduct, and 
the soundness and vigor of his intellectual powers, secured the respect 
and consideration of his fellow-citizens. 

His preparatory legal studies he prosecuted under the tuition of the 
late learned William Prescott ; an intimate friendship and mutual hioh 
retrard existed between them till the decease of the latter. At the 
time Mr. Saltonstall was admitted to the Bar, he found in practice here 
an extraordinary assemblage of eminent lawyers, Theophilus Parsons, 
Nathan Dane, William Prescott, Samuel Putnam, Charles Jackson, 
Joseph Story, John Pickering, Daniel A. White, all of them celebra- 
ted in the history of our jurisprudence, and many of them since elevated 
to high judicial dignities in the state and nation. By the side of all these 
eminent practitioners INlr. Saltonstall soon acquired high rank by his 
ability, learning and integrity. Ilis eloquence at the Bar and in legis- 
lative bodies was powerful, persuasive, and brilliant : it Avas the elo- 
quence of the heart, — the sincere and cordial expression of the ardent 
feelings and deep emotions of a generous and noble nature. He has 
died not at advanced age, but his life has been long — for it has been 
filled with deeds of benevolence and acts of usefulness. 

The INIembers of the Bar, in common with all his fellow-citizens, feel 
that his loss is a painful bereavement — it depresses our feelings and en- 
grosses our sensibilities. We should be unjust to ourselves if, when 
so much worth passes away, we did not pause amid the bustle of life, 
and pay to his memory the homage of our hearts. 

To this address Judge Wilde replied at considerable length, with 
deep sensibility — expressed his sympathy with the feelings of the Bar, 
his regret at the earl}* loss of so useful and excellent a citizen as IMr. 
Saltonstall, whose worth and excellence he had known and highly es- 
teemed for forty years. 

The Court passed an order that the proceedings of the Bar be enter- 
ed on their record, as a memorial to future times of the respect in which 
Mr. Saltonstall was held, and then adjourned. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT. 

At a special meeting of the City Council, on Saturday, May 10th, 
called by order of the ]Mayor, Mr. Roberts submitted the following 
Resolves, which were unanimously passed, viz : 

Resolved, That the members of the City Council deeply deplore the 



32 

decease of the late Hon. Leverett Saltonstall, the first elected 
Chief Magistrate of the City of Salem, and, as a citizen, alike honored 
and distinguished in all the relations of life, both public and private. 

Resolved, That the members of the City Council tender their sincere 
and profound sympathy to the family of the deceased, under this severe 
affliction and bereavement. 

Resolved, That in token of their respect for the many and manly 
virtues of their late honored and honorable fellow citizen, the members 
of the City Council will attend in a body the foneral of the deceased. 

Resolved, That an authenticated copy of these resolutions be trans- 
mitted to the family of the deceased. 



DEATH OF THE HON. MR. SALTONSTALL. 

The following article was published in the Salem Gazette of ^lay 
9lh. Some facts have been added : 

It is with inexpressible sorrow that we announce the decease of our 
distinguished and respected fellow citizen, the Hon. Leverett Salton- 
STALL. He died yesterday morning at 4 o'clock. It rarely occurs 
that the death of an individual creates so deep a sensation of grief, and 
leaves so wide a vacancy in society. He was universally loved and 
respected. 

Mr. Saltonstall was the representative of a family that has been 
conspicuous in our history from the earliest settlement of IScw Eng- 
land. His ancestor, Sir Richard Saltonstall, was the first named asso- 
ciate of the six original Patentees of the colony of Massachusetts Bay, 
and was appointed the first Assistant. On board the Arbella, while 
lying at Yarmouth in the Isle of Wight, he, with Gov. Winthrop and 
others, signed the " humble request of his Majesty's loyal subjects, 
the Governor and Company late gone for New England, to the rest of 
their brethren in and of the church of England," in which they take a 
tender and aficcting leave of their native land on their departure for 
their " poor cottages in the wilderness." They arrived at Salem, in 
the Arbella, on the 12th June, 1(330, and brought with them the Char- 
ter of Charles 1. 

On the 17th June, Sir Richard Saltonstall, in company with Gov. 
Winthrop, and other principal persons, left Salem and travelled 



33 

through the pathless forest to Charlestovvu to select a place of settle- 
ment. The want of good water and of other conveniences induced 
several of the party to explore the neighboring country. Some went 
over to Shawmiit, now Boston ; others proceeded northward by 
Cliarlestown neck to a place well watered on Charles River, where 
Sir Richard Saltonstall, with the learned Rev. George Phillips, and 
others, commenced a plantation, and called it Watertown. Johnson, 
an early historian, says, " this town began by occasion of Sir Kicliard 
Saltonstall, who, at his arrival, having some store of cattle and 
servants, they wintered in those parts." They entered into a 
liberal church covenant, July 30, 1630, which is published by Dr. 
Mather, Avho adds, " about forty men, whereof the first was that 
excellent Knight, Sir Richard Saltonstall, then subscribed this instru- 
ment." 

He was present, as First Assistant, at the first Court of Assistants, 
which was held at Charlestown, Aug. 23d, 1G30, at which various or- 
ders and regulations were made concerning the planting and govern- 
ment of the infant Colony. 

The suflerings of those engaged in this new settlement in the wilder- 
ness were extreme the first winter, and Sir Richard Saltonstall became 
discouraged from remaining himself, but left his two elder sons. Gov. 
Winthrop has recorded in his Journal, that "March 29, 1G31, he, 
with his two daughters and one of his younger sons, came down to 
Boston and stayed that night at the Governor's, and the next morning, 
accompanied with Mr. Pierce and others, departed for their ship at 
Salem." 

Sir Richard Saltonstall through life continued to be the friend of the 
colony and was actively engaged in promoting its prosperity. Two of 
his sons remained here, and he was interested as a lar^^e proprietor. 
When Sir Christopher Gardner attempted to injure the Colony by mis- 
representations, and on other similar occasions, for Massachusetts was 
troubled in its infancy by false accusations of enemies, he rendered the 
colony efficient assistance, and interceded in its favor with the govern- 
ment at home. 

He was a puritan, but of singular liberality in his religious opinions; 
he was offended at the bigotry of his associates, who as soon as they 
were themselves free from persecution, began to persecute others, and 
he addressed to Rev. Mr, Cotton and Rev. Mr. Wilson a letter on the 
subject, and remonstrated against this inconsistency. It is written with 
ability and in a catholic spirit, and has been reprinted and admired to 
this day. He says, — 
5 



34 

" Reverend and Dear Friends, whom lunfeignedly love and respect : 

" It doth not a little grieve my spirit to hear what sad things are re- 
ported daily of your tyranny and persecutions in New England, as that 
you fine, whip, and imprison men for their consciences." 

******* 

" I hope you do not assume to yourselves infallibility of judgment, 
when the most learned of the apostles confesseth he knew but in part, 
and saw but darkly as through a glass. Oh, that all these who are 
brethren, though they cannot think and speak the same things, might 
be of one accord in the Lord." 

This letter, written between 1645 and 1G53, shews the lively inter- 
est he felt in the honor and welfare of the colony. 

Sir Richard Saltonstall was also one of the patentees of Connecticut, 
with Lord Say and Seal, Lord Brook, and others, and a principal asso- 
ciate with them in the first settlement of that Colony. They appoint- 
ed John Winthrop Governor, and commissioned him to erect a fort at 
the mouth of Connecticut river. In 1G35 Sir Richard Saltonstall sent 
over a bark with twenty laborers to take possession of land for him 
under his patent and to make settlements. 

In 161'J he was commissioned with others, by Parliament, for the 
trial of Duke Hamilton, Lord Capel, and the Earl of Holland, for high 
treason. They were condemned and executed on a scaffold erected 
before Westminster Hall. 

Sir Richard Saltonstall has been justly styled " one of the Fathers 
of the Massachusetts Colony." He was a piitron of Harvard College, 
and left it a legacy in his will made in 1058. There is a fine por- 
trait of him in the possession of his descendants. He died soon after 
1658. 

Richard Salton'stall, son of Sir Richard, was born 1610. settled 
at Ipswich, and was chosen an Assistant in 1637. He was a man dis- 
tinguished for firmness and decision, attached to the principles of the 
New England government and churches, and an ardent friend to the 
liberty of the people. 

In 1612 he wrote a pamphlet against the Standing Council, a sub- 
ject that caused much agitation through ilie Colony. 

In 1645 he entered his protest against the introduction of Negro 
Slavery : 

" Upon a petition of Richard Saltonstall Esqr for justice to be done 
on (;apt. Smith and Mr. Keyscr for their injurious dealing with the 
negroes at Guinea, the petition was granted and ordered that Capt. 



35 



Smith and Mr. Keyser be laid hold on and coinmitted to pjve answer 
in convenient time thereabouts." — Col. Rec. Vol. 3, Oct. 1645. 

The following^ is the petition : 
To the lion\l Gencrall Conrt, 

The oath I toolce this yeare att my cntcrance upon the place of As- 
sistante was to this effect. That I would truly endeavour the advance- 
ment of the Gospell, and the good of the people of this plantation ; [to 
the best of my skill] dispcncing justice equally and impartially, [ac- 
cording- to the lawes of God and this land] in all cases wherein 1 act by 
virtue of my place. I conceive myselfe called by virtue of my place, 
to act [according to this oath] in the case concerning the Negers ; ta- 
ken by Capt. Smith and Mr. Keser ; wherein it is apparent, that Mr. 
Keser upon a saboth day gave chace to certaine Negers ; and upon the 
same day took divers of them ; and at an other time killed others ; and 
burned one of their townes. Omitting several misdemeinours which 
accompanied these acts above mentioned -, I conceive the acts them- 
selves to bee directly contrary to these following lawes ; [all which are 
capitall by the Avord of God, and two of them by the lawes of this 
jurisdiction]. 

The act [or acts] of murder [whether by force or fraude] are ex- 
pressly contrary both to the law of God and the law of this country. 

The act of stealing Negers ; or of taking them by force ; [whether it 
bee considered as theft or robbery] is [as I conceive] expressly con- 
trary both to the law of God, and the law of this country. 

The act of chaceing the Negers [as aforsayde] upon the saboth day 
[becing a servill worke, and such as cannot be considered under any 
other heade] is expressly capitall by the law of God. 

These acts and outrages beeing comitted where there was noe civill 
government which might call them to accompt ; and the persons by 
whom they were comitted beeing of our jurisdiction ; I conceive this 
Court to bee the Ministers of God in this case ; and therefore, iny hum- 
ble request is that the severall oflbnders may bee imprisoned by the 
order of this Court and brought unto their deserved censure in con- 
venient time ; and this I humbly crave that soe the sinn they have 
comitted may bee upon their owne heads ; and not upon ourselves [as 
otherwise it will.] 

Yrs in all cliristian observance, 

RICHARD SALTONSTAT,L. 

The house of deputs think meete that this petition shall be granted 
and desire our honored mgis'ts concurrence herein. 

EDWARD RAWSON. 



36 

Court Records 5 mo. 1645 — July 161.5. " The Court thought fit to 
write to Mr. Willams of Piscataqua that the Negros, which Capt, 
Smitli brought were fraudulently and injuriously taken and brought 
from Guinea by Capt, Smith's confession and the rest of the company, 
that he forthwith send the negro, which he had of Capt. Smith hither, 
that he may be sent home, which the Court doth resolve to send back 
without delay, and if you have any thing to allege why you should 
not return him to be disposed of by the Court, it will be expected you 
should forthwith make it appear either by yourself or your agent, but 
not to make any excuse or delay in sending of him." 

In a subsequent page of the record is the following : 

" The General Court conceiving themselves bound by the first oppor- 
tunity to bear witness against the heinous and crying sin of mansteal- 
ing, as also to prescribe such timely redress for what is past, and such 
a law for the future as may sufficiently deter all others belonging to us 
to have to do in such vile and most odious courses, justly abhorred of 
all good and just men, do order that the negro interpreter with others 
unlawfully taken, be by the first opportunity at the charge of the coun- 
try for the present sent to his native Guinea, and a letter with him of 
the indignation of the Court thereabouts, and justice thereof desiring 
our honored Governor would please put this order in execution." 

He was one of the few persons who knew where the Regicide 
Judges, Whalley and Goffe, were concealed, and in 1672 gave them 
i:50. 

He was a relative and friend of John Hampden, (grandson of the cel- 
ebrated parliamentary leader,) who was distinguished iu the time of 
Charles H., and James H., and who joined in the invitation to the Prince 
of Orange. He, as well as his father, was a benefactor of Harvard 
<>ollege. Dr. Mather records the name of Saltonstall among those ben- 
efactors of the College " Avhose names it would be hardly excusable to 
leave unmentioned." All his male descendants in IMassachusetts, ex- 
cept two, have been graduates at this college. 

Mr. Saltonstall was absent several years in England, where he had 
three daughters married. He returned to JMassachusctts in 1680, and 
wius again cIidsiu the First Assis^tant, and also the two succeeding 
years. In 1(83 he again visited England. He was an Assistant, ex- 
(•(■[it when he was in England, from 1087 till his death ; he died at 
iliilmo, April i-'O, 1C.!)1, and left an estate in Yorktshire. 

Hknuv Saltonstall, who was in the first cla.^s tiiatwas graduated 
at HarAard College, is said by CJov. Hutchinson to have been a son or 
grandson of Sir Richard Saltonstall. Like several other early gradu- 



37 

utes, lie wrnt home after leaving- college, and received a degree of Doc- 
tor of IMedicine from Padua, and also from Oxford, and was a fellow of 
New College in that University. 

Nathaniel Saltonstall, son of Richard, and grandson of Sir 
Richard, was graduated at Harvard College in 1G59, and settled in Ha- 
verhill on the beautiful estate half a mile east of the bridge, still known 
as the " Saltonstall seat." This spot, exceeded by none in New Eng- 
gland for fertility of soil and beauty of landscape, was with other land 
conveyed to him by the Rev. John Waid, the first minister of Haver- 
hill, on the marriage of the daughter of Mrs. Ward to Nathaniel Sal- 
tonstall. 

He was chosen an Assistant in 1G79. He took an active part in 
seizing and deposing the tyrannical Royal Governor, Sir Edmund An- 
dross, and, after his removal, became one of the Council of the Revo- 
lutionary government, and so continued till the charter of William and 
Mary, and was then appointed one of his JMajesty's Council. His pow- 
ers of mind were superior, and he was free from the prevailing bigotry 
and fanaticism of the times. He was opposed to the proceedings against 
the Witches, in 1692, and expressed his sentiments freely. Mr. Brat- 
tle, in his account of the witchcraft, says, " Maj. N. Saltonstall Esq., 
who was one of the Judges, has left the Court, and is very much dis- 
satisfied with the proceedings of it." He died in 1707, and left three 
sons, Gurdon, Richard and Nathaniel. 

GuRDON Saltonstall, the eldest son of Nathaniel, was Gover- 
nor of Connecticut, and was celebrated for his extraordinary talents 
and extensive learning. Dr. Eliot says, " he was an oracle of wisdom 
to literary men of all professions." He w-as one of the greatest and 
best men New England has produced. He was a benefactor of Har- 
vard College. His widow bequeathed to it jCIOOO, for the use of two 
students designed for the ministry. He died in 172-1. 

Richard Saltonstall, the second son of Nathaniel, was graduated 
in 1G95 ; he resided in Haverhill, sustained several civil and military 
offices, and was an excellent and very respectable man. He died in 
1711. 

Nathaniel Saltonstall, third son of Nathaniel, was also gradua- 
ted in 1695, and was a tutor in the College. He died yoimg, and left a 
high reputation for abilities and learning. 

Richard Saltonstall, sou of the last named Richard, was born 
June 14, 1703, and graduated in 1722 ; at the age of twenty-three he 
received the commission of Colonel ; and in 1736 he w-as appointed a 
Jud<Te of the Superior Court. In 1741, while the Court was in session 



38 

at York, the celebrated Rev. Samuel Moody wTote the following lines 
on the court : — 

" Lynde, Dudley, Remington, and Saltonstall, 
Willi Sewall, rneeting in the Judgment Hall, 
m^ike up a learned, wise, and faithful set. 
Of God-like Judges, by God's counsel met." 

Judge Siltonstall was a man of talents and learning. He was dis- 
tinguished for generous and elegant hospitalit)-, and for bountiful liber- 
ality to the poor. His address was polished, affable and winning, his 
temper was gentle and benevolent, and he enjoyed the love and esteem 
of all. He died in 1756, and left three sons and two daughters ; one of 
the latter was wife of Col. George Watson, of PljTnouth, and the other 
to Rev. Moses Badger, Minister of the Episcopal Church at Provi- 
dence. 

He had been married three times ; his third wife was a daughter of 
the second Elisha Cooke, of Boston ; the first Elisha Cooke had 
married the daughter of Gov. Leverett — the second Elisha Cooke mar- 
ried a daughter of Richard IMiddlecott, Esq., a wealthy and respectable 
citizen of Boston. Richard Middlecott in 1672 married a grand-daueh- 
tcrofGov. Edward Winslow. 

Elisha Cooke, senior, and Elisha Cooke, junior, were distinguished 
for abilities and elevated character, and for forty years were popular 
leaders and chaminons of Colonial rights and freedom ; they were botli 
representatives of Boston, and by their influence swayed not only the 
people of Boston, but the General Court : both were at different times 
sent to England as Agents of Massachusetts, the first to obtain a restor- 
ation of the Old Charter — the other to ojipose the Royal Governors. — 
The first died in 1715 — the other in 1737, leaving a son, Middlecott 
Cooke, and a daughter who became the third wife of Judge Richard 
Saltonstall.* 

Nathaniel Saltonstall, who was graduated in 1727, was a 
brother of Judge Saltonstall. He was a merchant, and died young. 

Col. Richard Saltonstall, eldest son of Judge Richard by his first 
wife, was born April 5, 173'2, and was graduated in 1751, with high re- 
putation for scholarship, having had " the oration." In 1754 he was 



♦The late learned Rev. Dr. Bentlfv, a native of Boston, was an enthusiastic 
admirer of the two Elisha Cookcs; he fancied that the word Cauciti was derived 
from Cooke' s-houte, the Cookes having frc(|ucnlly called popular meetings at their 
houses. He also conjectured that it might have been derived I'rom Caulkers, l>c- 
cause tlic Cookes were accustomed to assemble the Caulkers at tlicir houses, 
with the other patriotic mechanics of Boston. 



39 

coniini.ssioncd as Colonel of the Regiment in llavcrliill and vicinity, and 
was the fourth of the family in succession who held that ofTlcc. lie 
served with the Provincial troops in the campaigns of 1756 and 1757, 
against Crown Point. At the capitulation of fort William Henry, in 
1757, when the Indians commenced the massacre of their unarmed pris- 
oners, he escaped into the forest, and a day or two afterwards reached 
Fort Edward, nearly exhausted by hunger and fatigue. After peace 
took place he was Sheriff of the County. At the Revolution he was 
a loyalist, and went to England. He died unmarried, at Kensington, 
Oct G, 1785. When he resided on the family estate in Haverhill, he 
was highly respected and beloved for his benevolence, hospitality, cour- 
teousness, and integrity. His younger brother, Leverett, third son of 
Judge Richard, was also a loyalist ; he died in 1782. 

The late Doct. Nathaniel Saltonstall, father of our fellow citi- 
zen just deceased, was second son of Judge Richard Saltonstall, above 
mentioned, and of Mary, daughter of the second Elisha Cooke. Dr. 
Saltonstall was born Feb. 10, 1746, — on the death of his father in 1756, 
lie was received into the family of his maternal uncle, Middlecott 
Cooke, Esq., of Boston. Dr. S. was a distinguished and skilful phy- 
sician, and through life enjoyed the esteem and respect of his fellow 
citizens. He loved tranquillity and retirement, and avoided the bustle 
and perplexities of public life. In 1780, he married Anna, daughter of 
Samuel White, Esq., whose ancestor was one of the early settlers of 
Haverhill in 16-10. She was a descendant of Gov. Winthrop* on the 
maternal side ; through life she was distinguished for the gifts of her 
mind and the virtues of her heart. Dr. S. died May 15, 1815, and his 
widow in 1811. Their three sons, Leverett, Nathaniel, and Richard, 
are deceased; of their four daughters, two are living, Anna, wife of 
James C. Merrill, Esq., of Boston, and Sarah, wife of Isaac R. Howe, 
Esq., of Haverhill. The descendants of Dr. S. are the only descend- 
ants of the Cooke family and the Middlecott family. 

His son, the Hon. Leverett Saltonstall, whose decease is now 
deplored, was the worthy descendant of this long line of eminent ances- 
tors, including among them not only Sir Richard Saltonstall, but 
Gov. John Winthrop, Gov. Edvitard Winslow, and Gov. John 

*Gov. Winthrop's (laughter was married to Lt. Gov. Symomls, — their daugli- 
ter Ruth to Rev. John Emerson, of Gloucester,— their dauglUer Mary to Samuel 
Phillips, of Salem,— tlieir daughter Sarah to William White of Haverhill, June 
12, 1716, — and their son was Samuel White, who was father of Anna, the wife 
of Dr. N. Saltonstall. 



40 

Leverett. In his veins flowed " all the blood of all the Howards ; '^ 
and in his character clustered the virtues of all his ancestors. 

He was educated at Harvard College and was graduated in 1S02 ; he 
maintained a high literary rank in a class unusually large, and remark- 
able for crenius and ability. He there formed ardent attachments and 
warm friendships that have endured for life, and which nothing but 
death could sever. The full warmth of his early affections never aba- 
ted amid the chilling cares of later days ; he was constant, firm, disin- 
terested, and indefatigable — he never lost a friend — he was formed to 
be loved and trusted. 

He commenced the practice of law in 1805 ; he soon became dis- 
tinguished at the bar and entered on a large and successful profes- 
sional business. He was an able and eloquent advocate and a learned 
and faithful lawyer. A high and pure sense of duty, as well to the 
court, as to his clients, presided over his conduct. He abhorred the 
arts of chicanery and the base expedients of rapacity. He was emphat- 
ically an honest lawyer. 

The confidence and favor of his fellow-citizens called him at an early 
period of life to the State and the National Legislatures ; in those bod- 
ies his unsuspected integrity, enlightened principles and powerful elo- 
quence gave him merited consideration and influence. 

His private life was an example and illustration of the social and do- 
mestic virtues ; he was just, kind, disinterested, frank, magnani- 
mous, and honorable,— bountiful to the poor, and an ardent friend and 
liberal benefactor of institutions of learning and charity. 

He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 
and of the Massachusetts Historical Society. The degree of Doctor of 
Laws was conferred on him by Harvard College. He cherished an 
ardent affection for the places of his education. Harvard College and 
Phillips' Exeter Academy ; in his will he has made a bequest of books 
to be added to the library of the latter, and to tlie former he has given a 
legacy to increase the fund long since bequeathed to it by his ancestors. 

To all his friends he has left a precious and invaluable legacy,— the 
remembrance of his virtues— recollection of his Christian life and of his 
Christian death. 



41 



The subioiiied notice, prepared by IIoii. Stephen C. PiiiLLirs, was 
published ill the Salem Gazette, of May 13. 

LEVERETT SALTONSTALL. 

Others, as might have been expected of them, have already paid ap- 
propriate tributes of respect and afTcction to the memory of the excel- 
lent man whom so many loved and honored while he was living-, and 
whose remains have been just borne to the grave in the affecting pres- 
ence of a weeping community. It uiay siill be permitted to one more 
friend to attempt to preserve the suggestions of the moment, and with 
a pen tracing onlv impressions upon tiie memory and the heart, to group 
a few brief sketches of his life and character. 

Those more competent to the task, have described Mr. Saltonstall as 
a lawyer. Amidst distinguished competitors he attained unusual emi- 
nence as an advocate, and he was relied upon by his clients as a cau- 
tious, judicious, and safe adviser. No one could strive more assidu- 
ously to prevent litigation, to adjust controversies, to heal breaches. No 
one, in the practice of the profession, could be less inclined than he 
was to employ any unworthy arts, or resort to subterfuge, to brow-beat 
an opponent, to insult a witness, or to treat with tlie slightest disre- 
spect the court or the jury. In all these respects his example has long 
exerted a visible influence upon the Essex Bar, and they have honored 
themselves as well as him by their grateful acknowledgment of what 
they owe to it. 

Mr. Saltonstall was the fast Mayor of the City of Salem. He took 
theonice that he might be useful in it; and by the fidelity with which 
he discharged its various and arduous duties, by the courtesy with 
which he mingled with his ofiicial associates, by the deep interest which 
he manifested in the concerns of the city, and in the welfare even of 
its humblest citizens, he made him.selfthe object of universal respect, 
and, in not a few striking instances, of heartfelt gratitude. Many of 
those who mourn and have cause to mourn his death may be found in 
the houses of the poor, and even amongst the inmates of the Alms 
House ; and scarcely a citizen can walk the streets who has not had 
some occasion to acknowledge his services. 

In the Legislature of the State Mr. Saltonstall commenced and closed 
his political career. At an early age he took his seat in the House of 
Representatives, and in that body at different periods, even to the very 
close of his public life, he rendered perhaps his most valuable services, 
and was distinguished and honored beyond almost any of his cotempo- 




42 

raries. He was an effective debater, and in the committee room none 
c )uld surpass him in tlie f;iilhful, patient, and intelligent performance 
ui'all his duties, lie was a mjm!)er of tlie Senate in two most impor- 
t:int p(ditioal junctures, and as a leader of the majority he assumed 
a full share of responsil)ility for its acts. lie ^also presided over the 
S>3iiate with admirable di<fiuty and to universal acceptance. In the po- 
litical service of Massachusetts he felt himself at homp, and the State 
never had a citizen who maintained her character with a nobler pride, 
or labored for her welfare with a purer zeal. With his whole soul he 
Inied Massachusetls. Had he been one of those who landed upon Ply- 
mouth Rock, he could not have been more fully imbued with the spirit 
ol' tha Puritaiis, an 1 fro ii his ancestors who camj to Salem in the Ar- 
bdla, he inherited a full measure of devotion to the political and reli- 
gious institutions whicli have made Massachusetts all she is. Yes, he 
was in every sense, a true son of Mdssachusrtts. At home and abroad, 
ill public and private life, under all circumstances and at every period, 
would you reach his heart and desire to move it, you need onlv to praise 
or to Mitack Massachusetts, and yon could not forget Leverett Sal- 
toiistall as he responded to the eulogy or repelled the aspersion. 
Would to God that such a spirit as he possessed miulit never be absent 
fiom our public councils, and could not be extinguished in the hearts 
of our people? Would to God that he might yet and long speak from 
his grave in what all remember of his earnest appeals and stirring re- 
monstrances, and not sj;eak in vain in vindication of the character 
and institutions and principles of Massachusetts ! 

In the discharge of his duties as a Representative in Congress, l\Ir. 
Saltonstall fully sustained the reputation he had previously acquired, 
and made the most favourable impression upon all who there observed 
his official course, and became personally acquainted with him. He 
spoke with evident eiiect upon many important occasions ; he discussed 
constitutional questions as one familiar with the principles and necessa- 
ry rules of construction to be applied to them; he opposed rash and 
hasty legislation with the instinctive caution which always character- 
ized him ; and he addressed himself with assiduity and intelligence to 
the promotion of measures which the welfare of the people demanded. 
At the commencement of the administration of Gen. Harrison, he was 
appointed to tlie responsible station of chairman of the Committee of 
Manufactures, and uimn iiim coiise(jurntly tlcvolved the burthensomo 
duty of digesting a new and entire Tarilf, having reference alike to the 
supply of the ascertained deficiency of the revenue, and to the protection 
and development of the vital interest of domestic industry. Few can 



■i-^ 



>) 



estimato tlic m;iLr!iitu<l(' ;inil dimculty of ihi.s t;is'< ; hut l).'iii!T rpqiiiivd 
to undertake it, lie entered upon the wurk witli resolute delerniiiiatitui, 
and prosecuted it to its completion with persevering energy. For months 
he gave the greater part of every day to severe intellectual lahor upon 
the suhject. He engaged in an extensive correspondence lor tin" pur- 
pose of ohtaining desirable information from all sources ; and by his pa- 
tience and industry in collecting facts and his judgment and slcill in col- 
lating thcni, he was enabled to understand tiie actual condition and the 
wants of the country, and to c\hil)it a result wliicii might prove the ba- 
sis of wise and safe legislation. The Report and iJill which he present- 
ed in behalf of the committee, are memorials of the value of his services 
as a practical statesman ; and although the system which he prepared 
was not formally accredited as it came from his hands, it was substan- 
tially adopted to such an extent, that none will hesitate to ascribe to 
him a large share of the honor which is due for the passage of the Ta- 
riff of 1842. 

While in Congress Mr. Saltonstall formed many intimate friendships 
with the leading members, by all of w horn his death will be regretted 
with the sympathy which those only can feel who esteem and deserve 
to be esteemed by each other. He was known and proud to be known 
as a personal as well as a political friend of Henry Clay; and while 
none can wonder that two such men should have felt the attraction of 
kindred hearts, all who have honored them both w ill remember with in- 
terest the warmth and earnestness with which he availed himself of ev- 
ery occasion to vindicate the public and private character of his much 
injured friend. Every one in his presence saw and felt that when he 
performed such a service he spake] from the heart and to the heart, and 
that it was an act of personal justice more than political fidelity, the du- 
ty of a friend rather than a parlizan, which he conscientiously and fear- 
lessly performed. 

As a public speaker, Mr. Saltonstall was a particular and lasting fa- 
vorite. His musical voice and graceful action blended harmoniously 
with the natural method in which he arranged his thoughts, and the 
simplicity of the diction with which he clothed them. His manner of 
speaking was conformed to no artificial standard, but art could not im- 
prove it. It was always interesting, often pathetic, and sometimes 
deeply exciting. His eloquence was eminently persuasive, reaching di- 
rectly and at once the minds and hearts of those who listened to him, 
and indicating the purity of the source from whicli it flowed. It can- 
not be described in more expressive terms than those of Cicero — " plena 
animi, plena spiritus, plena veritatis." 



44 

Mr. Saltnnstull was a patriot. In no modem or afil'fteil sense — 
for no selfish purpose and for no mere party end — but in the earliest, 
the uncorrupled American sense of the term, in the sense in which it 
was applied to Washington, and in which it has been and can be appli- 
ed to i)ut a small portion of our public men. Mr. Saltonstall was 
through life, in heart, steadily, practically a patriot. He loved his 
country, her institutions and her people. The blood of the patriots of 
the Revolution flowed in his veins, and he never disowned or disgraced 
his origin. The Constitution, as the wisdom of our fathers devised it, 
he had carefully studied and thoroughly understood, in its letter and in 
its spirit, in its objects and its means ; and with a scrupulous fidelity, 
which the usual construction of an oflicial oath does not sufBciently in- 
dicate, he never sought and he would not consent, by any abridgement 
or extension of its powers, to impair or violate it. The Union he priz- 
ed as Washington prized it, in the same spirit, for the same purposes, 
and to the same extent , and there was not an act of his life, which im- 
partially considered and rightly construed, could bring into question his 
readiness and his anxiety to do every thing wiiich the Constitution re- 
quired or permitted for the preservation of the Union. 

Mr. Saltonstall did not engage in political life without fixed princi- 
ples and definite purposes ; and as every element of his character was 
suited for sympathy and co-operation, he became closely identified with 
one of the two great parties, into which, under the necessary influence 
of the fundamental principle of our institutions, the country must be 
diviiled. In every honorable sense, he was a decided, zealous, and ac- 
tive partizan. He could not be indiflferent, and he would not be un- 
faithlul ; and though he never sought to precipitate a crisis, and never 
pault'd for a confiict, every crisis found him at l,is post, and every con- 
flict proved how much he attracted the notice of his opponents bv the 
ardtir and earnestness with which he defended the cause of his friends. 
Every one iliiil knew hiui must feel that in his political action he kept 
himself beydiid su.spicion, and exhibited himself without disguise ; and 
that he would be the firs-t to consider his biography incomplete and his 
memory dishonored, if it were not recorded of him that lie lived and 
died a Whig — inflexible in his principles, unwavering in his course, un- 
stained by a single suspicion of vacillation or inconsistency. Let it 
tlicn be gratefully recorded and ])roudIy remembered of him, that in 
aid ef the political cause to wliicli he w:is devoted, his voice was nev- 
er silent, his vote was never withheld, and that in every form of public 
and private exertion his influence was always visible, and in this com- 
munity must even yet long be felt. So anxious was be tli:it noth- 



ing which he could accomplish should remain unattcmpled, that lie 
would not hesitate to ?ive up liis lime, subject himselfto inconvenience, 
and endanfrer his health, even upon a slight occasion for making him- 
self useful. 

A partizan as he was, Mr. Saltonstall was remarkably exempt from 
the infirmities and vices which beset and too often adhere to men long 
engaged in j)ublic life. In the political arena, as at the bar, he never 
compromised his personal character — he never resorted to the subtleties 
of equivocation — he never stooped to acts of meanness — he probably 
never indulged a malicious thought or purpose — he certainly never 
" sought occasion of revenge. " His heart was " open as day " to his 
opponents as well as to his friends ; and the evidence is not wanting 
that the former as much as the latter, felt and respected his sincerity. 
Both have shed tears together over his grave, and both may be equally 
trusted to do justice to his memory. 

In the oiTices of private friendship, I\Ir. Saltonstall exhibited his 
character in all its charms. Inquire of the few who can recollect his 
boyhood, of his college classmates, of his professional brethren, of his 
family relatives, of any who have joined the circle which always as- 
sembled around his domestic hearth, and if they can give utterance to 
their emotions, they will bear the testimony more to be prized than any 
other to his rare and unsurpassed personal, domestic and social virtues. 
His home might well be supposed to be an abode of happiness ; but how 
much his presence and the influence of his example contributed to make 
it happy, let no friend beyond its precincts attempt to describe. Where- 
ever he went the warmest greeting awaited him, for " none knew him 
but to love him ; " and " once a friend "' he was " a friend till death " 
of all the wise and good of his acquaintance. His cotemporary for a 
half-century will tell you that the virtues which scattered such a profu- 
sion of fruits and flowers along his path through life budded and were 
" admired of all beholders" in his youth ; that the ingenuous boy was 
the type of the honest man, and that the graces and charms which clus- 
tered in his character were never acquired, but always belonged to him. 

Such, imperfect and unsatisfactory, is a rapid review of some of the 
important acts of his life, and of the striking traits of his character. To 
refer effects to their cause, it is only necessary to add that Leverett 
Saltonstall was a Christian. His nature was peculiarly adapted to 
the development of the religious sentiment, and, under the most flivora- 
ble influence of parental culture, it germinated in his childhood, " grew 
with his growth, and strengthened with his strength. " No intellect 
ever grasped the truth of the Bible wiih a clearer apprehension, and 



40 

no heart embraced it with a warmer faith. The uncomipted Christi- 
anity of the Bible — "built upon the foundation of the apostles and 
prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone "—compre- 
hending every doctrine which Jesus taught, and rejecting the " com- 
mandments of men "—the Christianity divinely revealed and attested 
and not of human inspiration — it was this in which he believed and 
hoped and trusted, as long as he lived, and in his dying hour. In an 
interview with the writer, during his sickness, he stated the interesting 
livct that he had recently reviewed the grounds of his religious opinions 
by a careful study of the scriptures, and that his faith had been delight- 
fully refreshed and immovably strengthened. 

His interest in religion was constantly manifest in his support of its 
institutions. As he loved the Bible, he loved the Sabbath and the 
Church. Never can he be forgotten by his fellow-worshippers, as join- 
ing in the songs of the sanctuary, he " made melody in his heart to the 
Lord," and, by his regular attendance upon all the ordinances, constant- 
ly proved how much he lelt the obligations which he had professed. — 
The teachers and scholars of the Sunday School, of which for many 
years he was the Supenntendent, will long remember what they owed 
to his services and example ; and the various religious associations of 
which he was a member will still derive encouragement from the endu- 
ring proofs of liis co-operation in their proceedings. 

His private life — the only sufficient test— bore ample evidence of the 
efficacy of his religious faith. Tn the discharge of his ordinary duties, 
in the execution of many important trusts, amidst all his social relations 
— as a son devoted to aged parents — as a brother proving himself even 
more than a brother where it was important that he should be so — as a 
husband and father and the head of a household— as a friend and neigh- 
bor — as a benefactor to the poor who will testify how much he did for 
Christ by simply recounting what he did for them — in short in every 
station which he occupied, in every office which he filled, in his daily 
walk, wherever he could be observed, it was distinctly to be seen that 
he recognized his religious obligations, and that he seldom failed in ful- 
filling thorn. 

The faith which he had cherished, and the life which he led, pre- 
pared him of course for a christian death. The sj-mptoms of a fatal 
disease gave previous notice that the event was approaching. Without 
a murmur or a sigh, with \mrufllcd com[)osure. \\itli almost unvarying 
cheerfulness, he bore the trials of a painful sickness, and, in a spirit of 
calm resignation, he approaciied the grave. Lingering on its brink, he 
meekly performed the last ollices of pious affection, and uttering at in- 



47 

tprvals, as long as he could speak, deligluful assurances of his oratif ucle 
for the past and his hope for the future, heexhihitcd in his placid coun- 
tenance the sileni but expressive testimony that he felt within him to 

the end 

"A [icace above all eurtlily dignities, 

A still and quiet conscience." 

In connection with his relip^ious character and death, it should not be 
forgotten that our departed friend was a true lover of nature. How 
many can remember him as in his early morning walks he went forth 
with a light step and a cheerful countenance, gazing with rapture upon 
the varied landscape, cliarmed with the brilliancy and fragrance of the 
flowers, listening with a responsive heart to the grateful music of the 
birds, and imparting to all whom he accompanied or met the animating 
glow of his ardent emotions ! Who that can sympathize in his poetic 
and devout admiration of the beauties of nature, will not love to remem- 
ber that upon his dying bed he prized an opening rose-bud as a choice 
symbol of the goodness of God ; and who that feels how much he felt 
"the sacred inspiration of the morning hour," will fail to be struck 
with the fitness of the moment of his death, occurring as it did at the 
very break of day, while the stillness of the external scene corresponded 
with his inward serenity, just as the "glimmering dawn" betokened 
the light of immortality which was beaming on his spirit, and at the 
instant the birds had begun to chant his requiem ! 



EXTRACT FROM REV. DR. FLINT'S DISCOURSE, 

Delivered in the East Cluircli, the first Sabbath of the preacher's otliciating in 
his own pulpit, after the decease of the Hon. L. Saltonstall, iVoni the follow- 
ing text ; 2 Thessalonians, ii. chapter, parts of 16 and 17 verses. "God, 
even our Father, who hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation 
and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts." 

When I first saw him in his fresh and blooming boyhood at the uni- 
versity, his person and deportment were strikingly beautiful and en- 
gaging, indicative of the purity of his untainted soul, of the truthful- 
ness and trust, the social and joyous heartiness, with -which he met 
and reciprocated the love and cordial companionship of his class-mates 
of congenial warmth of feeling, of kindred hilarity of spirit and high 
relish of the innocent pleasures of life,— a trait which marked his char- 
acter in after years, when with religious gratitude he partook gene- 



48 

rously, but never inJemperatel)', of tlie good things of heaven "s bounty, 
esteeming, with the apostle, every creature of God to be good and to be 
received with thankfuhiess. 

His collegiate course was without stain or reproach, beloved alike 
by his fellow students and instructors, evincing the justness of the old 
Latin adage, " virtue is more lovely emanating from a beautiful 
form."* He graduated quite young, but with honorable rank in 
scholarship. All the attractive and shining qualities of character which 
so endeared him to the affections of his classmates, and won for him 
distinction among his distinguished cotemporaries, were retained and 
received continual accessions of loveliness and brilliancy of polish, as 
he prosecuted in this city the preparatory studies of his profession, and 
as, at the same time and through life, when these studies, and after- 
wards his increasing business as a lawyer, and the many offices he fill- 
ed, as a public man, left him brief intervals of leisure, he improved 
these intervals in storing his mind with general knowledge and in grati- 
fying his taste for elegant literature. Mr. Saltonstall regarded his de- 
scent from illustrious ancestors, distinguished through a long line for 
talents and worth and high standing in the community, not as a sub- 
ject of self-complacent and indolent pride, but as a call and an incentive 
to emulate their virtues, their public services and generous deeds, 
which proved them to be nature's noblemen, and thus to add another 
shining link to the chain that had been lengthening and kept bright 
through successive generations from the first of the name in New 
England down to himself, who has now been gathered to his progen- 
itors with honors, equal to those of the most honored of his race, and 
as universally beloved, as he was known and honored. 

As a public man, others knew him better than I ; and, where- 
ever his decease has been known, his eulogy has been pronounced 
with a remarkable unanimity of testimony from men of all parties, to 
his able and faithful public seivices, to his integrity and honesty of pur- 
pose, to his ardent love of his country, to his disinterested devotion of 
property, time and a glowing eloquence to its true interests and honor, 
or what he sincerely believed to be such. His professional brethren, 
and all, who have witnessed his long and successful practice in our 
courts of justice, have acknowledged his ready and persuasive elo- 
quence, as a popular advocate, — his skillful, but always fair and honor- 
able management of whatever cause he undertook — that, while he 
made his client's cause his own, he used no dishonest arts to disparage 
that of his adversary, — that he never betrayed a trust or negleted a 

* "Virtus pulchrior est evcniens c corpore pulchro." 



49 

business of whalevor nature, wliich his clients, his friends, or fellow- 
citizens confided to liim. 

As an orator he was not formed by art, but was made so by nature. 
He was a striking example of the eloquence of which Quintiliau 
speaks, " His heart made him eloquent." His fine person, a flexible 
and charming-ly modulated voice, won the attention and delighted the 
eye and ear of his auditors, whether he conversed in private or deliv- 
ered an argument or a speech in public. From familiar and critical 
acquaintance with the scriptures of the New Testament unusual for a 
layman, — I speak advisedly here, he of late years having generally 
introduced the subject of religion when conversing together by our- 
selves, — from careful study of the evidences and enlightened convic- 
tion of the truth of the Christian revelation, ]\Ir. Saltonstall was a 
devout and practical Christian. The religious sentiment was strong in 
him through life, early developed and fostered as it was by a religious 
mother's faithful instruction and winning example of gentleness and 
piety. Like young Timothy, early and long a cherished son and fellow 
laborer of Paul in the gospel, he was indebted to a mother and grand- 
mother, both unfeignedly believing and devout Bible Christians, for 
his earnest faith and for the depth and warmth of devotional feeling, 
which pervaded his character and kept his heart pure, his conscience 
undefiled, and his morals unspotted from his childhood to his latest 
breath. He has told me that his mother often referred to her mother, 
who was a daughter of the Rev. Richard Brown, fifth minister of South 
Reading, as the model she aimed to follow in her household manage- 
ment and training of her children. The religion of INIr, Saltonstall 
made him the virtuous and useful citizen, the excellent and happy man, 
the exemplary and idolized husband and parent, that he was ; and his 
rare social qualities made him the companion, most loved and cherish- 
ed by his classmates when and wherever he met with them, whose 
presence w'as ever hailed by them, as the signal of living over again 
the hours and renewing the by-gone joys of our youthful compan- 
ionship and exemption from the cares of later life. — Those pleasant 
meetings crowded with pleasant memories come thronging to my 
mind, as I retrace the long track of years, which I have travelled with 
him, who has begun, alas before me, " the travel of eternity." — I can 
add no more. May the reflection that we are all on the same road, 
and not far behind, soften our regrets for the departed, and incite us 
to more earnest diligence and fidelity in following the steps of those, 
who through faith and patient continuance in well doing, are gone 
to inherit the Christian promises in God's heavenly presence, to go nu 
more out forever. 
7 



50 



RECOLLECTIONS OF HIS COLLEGE LIFE. 

BY A CLASSMATE. 

jMr. Sai-tonstall entered Harvard College in 1708. His classmates 
were generally strangers to each other, sliy of forming acquaintances, 
yet curious to discover the character of their future companions. At 
the first recitation in Latin, Saltonstall in construing Horace, rendered 
•' hoininum recentura" by the word Freshmen. This piece of pleas- 
antry was received with a smile by the tutor, and a cordial laugh by 
the cla.=!s, and led us to desire to know more of one who introduced 
himself so agreeably to our notice. We found him so frank and amia- 
able in his manners, with so little reserve and no disguise, that his 
character was soon understood and his good qualities as well as his 
faults, were apparent to the most supcrlicial observer, so that he won 
immediately that confidence which is commonly the growth of long ac- 
quaintance. 

Every one admired his good fellowship, his generous temper and 
warm heart, and he soon became the centre of the social gaiety of the 
class, and the leader of its fun and frolic. But his genial spirits never 
transgressed the bounds of decency or good morals, though they some- 
times trespassed on the strict rules of College discipline, in which, 
however, he was generally detected, for his powerful and musical voice 
towered above the confused clamor of his companions, and he scorned 
to resort to the prevarication which is too often the defence of juve- 
nile delinquents. His honesty and ingenuousness usually obtained for 
him the remission or mitigation of his fine or admonition, as well as 
the confidence of the College Government. 

Saltonstall was among the few who appreciate at the time they en- 
joy it, the happiness of a College life. His ancestors, for many gene- 
rations, were educated at Cambridge, and some of them were its liberal 
benefactors, which created in his mind a peculiar respect for that I'nivor- 
sity. He regarded it as truly an Alma Mater to him ; he left it with 
reiTret, and to the end of his life manifested a warm afiection for it, by 
zeal for its welfare an'l an anxious observation of its progressive im- 
provement. He delighted to revisit the home of his youth, and attend- 
ed every annual Coianieuccnient except two, fnun the time he grad- 
uated. 

In his time, there was more distance and reserve in the intercourse 
of the elder members of the Government with the students, ihaji pre- 



51 

vails at present. The presence of the President was awful ; no con- 
versation, even in a whisper, was allowed between scholars in his 
stud}'. We stood before him with profound respect, and regarded him 
as a Sage whose oracular responses wore to be obeyed, not questioned ; 
yet we all loved and venerated him. 

Saltonstall was a favorite of his instructors, especially of our partic- 
ular tutor, a gentleman still living, whose devotion to the improvement 
of his pupils, has ever since been acknowledged by the respect and es- 
teem of the Class, and with whom it was the happiness of Mr. Salton- 
stall to form and preserve the closest friendship. 

The love of truth which he manifested at College, then and ever 
after secured him the undoubting and implicit trust of his friends ; he 
never said what he did not believe, or promised what he did not intend 
lo perform; and his fine, candid countenance, and manly deportment, 
soon gained for hini the same credit with strangers. 

His rank as a scholar was high, and he had an earnest and fer\'ent 
manner in his declamation, which made him an interesting and agreea- 
able speaker ; but he did not possess at College that industry and love 
of mental labor which afterwards raised him to high honor and use- 
fulness. 

He had been piously educated, and brought from home impressions 
of his religious duties, which weie not effaced by the gaiety and fri- 
volity by which he was surrounded, for he obeyed the paternal injunc- 
tions of searching the Scriptures and revering the Sabbath. 

With many of his classmates he contracted friendships which were 
continued without interruption through his life. No man was ever 
truer to his friends than Leverett Saltonstall, or stood by them more 
steadily in distress and adversity. Many of them were less fortunate 
than he was in the distribution of the prizes of life. He never forgot 
the claims of these, or turned from them in coldness. On'the contrary, 
his counsel, his countenance and liis purse, he gave freely, and the lat- 
ter bovmtifully. Prosperity and success did not change his manner or 
harden his heart ; he never calculated the hazard of assisting a friend 
in need, but committed himself generously in the cause of those iu 
whose integrity he confided. 



52 



PROCEEDIXGS OF THE SALEM BIBLE SOCIETY. 

At the Annual Meeting of the Bible Society of Salem and vicinityj 
the following Resolution, presented by Hon. Stephen C. Phillips, 
was passed unanimously : 

Resolved, That in the death of its late President, the Hon. Lever- 
ETT Saltonstall, this Society laments the loss of one whose official 
services were for many years freely devoted to the promotion of its 
interests, and whose character through life bore ample testimony to his 
sense of the value of the Bible as the only and all sufficient rule of 
Christian faith and practice. 



LB S '12 



